Services & Obituaries

Thompson, Helen Kathryn (“Kathy”)…
 
Peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, Kathryn Thompson, née Rushton, passed away at age 80.
 
“Kathy” was the beloved wife of John Thompson. Loving mother of Bill Kyle (Michelle) of Princeton, ON; Gregory Kyle (Allyson) of Kelowna, BC; Brian Kyle of Medicine Hat, AB; Michael Thompson (Kari) of London; and Sally Thompson (James Watzke) of Toronto. Dear grandmother of Grace Kyle, Charlie Kyle, Sarah Van Horne (Austin), Jessica Thompson, and Cassandra Watzke. Dear sister of William Rushton (Myrna) of Tillsonburg. She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by her son, Andrew Harold Kyle; her brother, Robert Rushton (Violet); her sister, Barbara Staffen (Earl); and James Kyle.

Kathryn was born in Paris, Ontario, in 1942. As a child, she loved reading, bike riding, and choral singing. She found math difficult and her math teacher told her mom girls didn’t need math so don’t worry about it, but she persisted because she wanted to become a nurse or teacher. Throughout high school, she worked in a ladieswear store in Paris. Her first boyfriend was Wayne Gretzky’s uncle Albert. She married James Kyle in 1962. In the 1970s, she was a potter in Montreal while raising four sons. She studied nursing at Toronto General Hospital, became a registered nurse, and worked in general medicine and oncology at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London. She married John Thompson in 1997. In her later years, she became a published writer of memoirs and short stories for adults and children. She enjoyed classical music and genealogy, and loved her family.
Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Rd N, London, ON N6H 2B6, on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 10:00 am. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required and there is no visitation or reception. Interment will take place in August in Paris, Ontario.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Kathy may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6, or to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5V 3K5, and would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.amgfh.com.

BROCK, Thomas “Tom” Clifford…

Peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Thomas Clifford Brock in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Joan Brock for 59 years. Loving dad of Paul Brock (Angie), David Brock (Julie), and Rebecca Bracken (Jamie). Cherished grandpa of Cody and Kylie Brock, Tylor (Alyshia), Cassie and Carter Brock, and Brittani and Michael Bracken and great-grandpa of Oakland Brock. Dear brother of Mary Lou Arnold (Jim) and the late Susanne Willmott (Brian). Tom will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mount Hope staff and the PSWs that took care of dad. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 2 pm, with visitation 1-hour prior (1-2 pm) in the funeral home chapel. Cremation to follow with future inurnment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROOKS, Betty Isabelle (nee Pegg)…

April 30, 1925 – May 1, 2022

Peacefully, Betty Isabelle passed the night after her 97th birthday. Betty is reunited with her beloved husband, whom she lovingly called “Boyfriend”, Trevor K. Brooks (2013). Predeceased by her loving parents Lelola Pegg (1973) and James Pegg (1966). Dear sister of Jack Pegg (1991) (Bev 2012) and Don Pegg (1976) (Pat 1998). Betty loved dearly and was proud of her many nieces and nephews. She had a strong sense of humour and always welcomed family and friends with open arms. She had a lasting attachment to her hometown of Blenheim and retained many cherished friendships from there. We wish to extend sincere gratitude to ALL the staff at McGarrell Place who showed such kindness, comfort and love to Betty during her final years. There are not enough words to say thank you to her dear friend and care giver Sue Forbes, with whom we would have been lost without her help. She has been an angel of mercy.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 am on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be held at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 or charity of choice. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

NEILY, Melbourne “Hugh”…

Hugh passed away peacefully at Parkwood Hospital Veteran’s Care, London with family by his side in his 100th year on Saturday, April 30th, 2022. Hugh was born on September 14, 1922 in Spa Springs, Nova Scotia, the son of the late Melbourne Parker Neily and Evelyn (nee Hall) Neily. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Neily of Burlington, and sons Bill Neily of London, and Bob (Janet) Neily of Sandwich, MA. Dear grandfather of Sarah Neily of Hingham, MA, Samantha (Michael) Conley of Norfolk MA and Patrick Kory of Victoria, BC. Great grandfather of Nathan and Elise Conley and Olivia Kory. Hugh is also survived by his sister Marian Porter of Nova Scotia, sisters-in-law Ruth Neily of Wheatley and Joan Lindley of Burlington. Many nieces and nephews also survive Hugh. Hugh was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years Ruth (nee Stiles) and daughter Patricia “Trish” Kory, brothers Ronald Neily and David Neily and sisters Lorna Neily and Norah Balcom.

Hugh was a veteran of WW2 and saw his first combat on D-Day. Hugh was a CANLOAN Officer, a Lieutenant with The East Yorkshire Regiment – 2nd Battalion-3rd Infantry Division, British army. Returning to Canada in 1945 Hugh and Ruth settled in Nova Scotia and moved to Ontario in the early 50’s. After running branches in the western provinces for Snap-on Tools, Hugh started his company Nevtro Sales Ltd in London, which remains to this day. Hugh was a lifelong Member of Rotary International as well as Probus. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, wine making and traveled extensively with Ruth.

The family would like to thank the staff at Parkwood Veteran’s Care for their wonderful kindness and care to Hugh these past six years.

Family and friends are welcomed to join together to celebrate Hugh’s life on Friday, May 6, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 am and the funeral service will begin at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Veteran’s Care Comfort Fund at Parkwood Hospital, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Edwin…

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edwin Charles Smith announces his passing on Saturday, April 30, 2022, surrounded in the love of his family. Edwin was the patriarch of our family, leading a well lived life that included love, joys, sorrows and challenges spanning 96 years.

In 2004 Edwin was predeceased by his beloved wife Frances (Murdock) of 58 years. He is also predeceased by four siblings and their spouses and one niece and nephew of the same family.

Edwin is survived by his only child Patricia “Patsy”, his only grandchild Michael “Best Buddy”, his wife Amanda and her two sons Aiden and Carter. Edwin is also survived by his brother Kenneth and wife Doreen.

Edwin started his journey into adulthood by joining and travelling in the Canada and the States with Conklin Shows as a fire-eater. Two years later he enlisted in the Army, First Hussars, and was trained as a tank navigator.

In 1946 Edwin found his calling – trains. He hired on with the Canadian Pacific Railway (1946-1986) and started his career as an engineer at the Quebec Street yard/station. He ended his stint as a conductor on GO Transit/Trains based in Campbellville running daily from Toronto and back. Edwin didn’t stop there. Retired, he volunteered as an engineer with the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. He also operated the “push engine” for Thomas the Tank during railway days in St. Thomas.

Edwin’s hobby was his motor cars. He taught his grandson how to set them on and off the track, how to “keep them on the track” and how to perform minor maintenance on them. They spent countless hours travelling to motor car rallies and trips to the Agawa canyon and other northern destinations.

Edwin was a loving and devoted father to his daughter, as well as her advisor and confident. Edwin (Father figure) loved and doted on his grandson. He was extremely proud of the man Michael grew into. We will both miss out “special person”. We will continue to share our memories and he will be with us forever in our hearts. We know that he will keep a close eye on us and continue to guide us along the way. We miss you, we love you and our love for you will never fade.

Thank you to all the staff at Ashwood Manor Retirement Home for your excellent care, compassion, ongoing support, concern and the respect you had for Edwin and his family. Dr. Sonuga, thank you for your care and kindness that you provided to Dad. Amanda, thank you for your daily visits and constant smiles. Lawrence, thank you for your weekends and the lively chats you and Dad shared.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N01 1W0. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MacDONALD, Ruth Mary…..

Passed away at Victoria Hospital, London on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 in her 67th year.

Survived by her sister Peggy Pitfield and her husband Dick of Victoria, BC and her good friend Judi Finch-Hooper. Predeceased by her parents Hugh and Doris MacDonald.

Cremation has taken place and a visitation will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Monday, May 9th, 2022 from 6-8pm. Words of remembrance will be shared at 6:30pm.

As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Defeat Duchenne Canada. Online condolences, memories photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILDING, Neil…

Surrounded by loved ones in his 38th year, our Neil found eternal peace at University Hospital, London on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  

Loving son of Elizabeth. Dear brother of Jason (Brianna), Jackson (Meg), Brandon, Kyle, Doug (Haylie), Cassandra, Hellen, Carrie (Levi), Rebecca and Destiny. Predeceased by his father Dave, Granda Neil, Nana Florence and his fiancé Kayla. He will be missed by his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and close friends.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Neil may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 534 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Y6 or to Crisis Services Canada, 439 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON  M5G 1Y8. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PECKHAM, Deborah “Deb”…

On April 15, 2022 at LHSC-Victoria, Deborah Joan Peckham “Skippee” peacefully passed away at the young age of 68.

She was a long companion and partner for Dan Shack for some 43 years. Survived by sister Pat Pooley (Kitchener, ON); brother Jon and wife Lynn Schmehl (Cambridge, ON); niece Tracy Pooley and great-niece Kaitlyn Pooley (both of London, ON); nephew Mark Schmehl and his family Clare, Connor and Audrey (San Francisco, CA); and nephew Matt Schmehl and his family Cheryl, Logan and Tyler (Cambridge, ON). Deb also was a mother figure to Lisa Shack and Mike Sleeman (British Columbia) as well as OMA to Danielle Shack, Jackson, Isacc, Nixon and Noah (British Columbia).

Deb loved the outdoors and camping and spent many years at her summer home near Grand Bend, ON (Klondike Trailer Park). Deb was a champion in the London community and volunteered her endless hours to many committees including the London Housing Advisory Committee, London For All, Mission Services, United Way, Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre, London Homeless Coalition, Neighborhood Legal Services, London Community Foundation and CYN London.

Deb once again volunteered her time campaigning for the City of London counselors seeking re-election in many of the City of London civic elections.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of LHSC for their care and kindness towards Debbie.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service has also been held with interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. Deb was a very strong advocate for the homeless and anti poverty problems in London and the family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to United Way Elgin Middlesex, 409 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S5.
https://unitedwayem.ca/united-way-remembers-deb-peckham/.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TOPPING, Glenn…

Glenn Topping, son of the late Bill and Olive, was born August 14, 1928 in the family home on Topping Lane. Glenn was a cherished brother to the late Ron (Lynn) Topping and Doris (John) Morris. Loving brother-in-law to Grace Tapp (nee Kennedy). He died peacefully surrounded by family on the farm on April 14, 2022, joining his late wife Marie Topping (nee Kennedy) on her birthday. They shared 74 beautiful years of marriage.

Devoted father to Barbara (John) Moore, Linda (Garry) Graham, and the late Douglas Topping. Loving grandfather to Sara (Darryn) Dresdner, and Amanda (Trevor) Topping. Great grandfather to Jordan, Brandon, Alisa, Avery and Lilly. Loving uncle, nephew and cousin; a cherished friend of many.

Throughout his 93 years of life, Glenn “Bup” was a jack of all trades, enjoying and thriving in many adventures. Bup started with early mornings working on the dairy farm, delivering fresh milk, growing to have the first electric pasteurized milking farm in the area. He continued the farm by expanding into agriculture, livestock, and racing horses. Bup was well travelled, adventuring across the globe, while knowing the value of every treasure found. Bup had a pilot’s license, flying his own plane throughout Canada. He was a ‘doer and a fixer’; truly a one-of-a-kind guy. He also loved fishing, hunting and the great outdoors.

Bup was a collector of many things, especially of cars of all kinds. He ventured into auto wrecking, starting with Corey’s and then building his work family at Andy’s Auto Wreckers. He was proud of his endeavors with the Forest Sands Hotel. Bup was a passionate entrepreneur and financier, growing into many successful business ventures.

Bup will be remembered as a welcoming, calm, patient, loving ‘slow poke’.

Special thanks to Agneiszka Siierkowskii “Aggie” for the utmost care and dedication she provided to both Glenn and Marie to ensure comfort in their end of life. Thank you to the VON and Dr. Hamilton’s Palliative Care Team.

Please join us in celebrating Bup’s incredible life at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Thursday, April 21, 2022 for visitation from 3-5:30 pm. A private family service will follow.

Donations to the Kidney Foundation, P.O. Box 27056, Masonville P.O., 60 North Centre Road, London, ON N5X 3X6, Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON
N5X 2T1 would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JUSTASON, Howard Prescott…..

 Passed away peacefully at Dearness Home, London, Ontario on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at the age of 70. Howard was born in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick on July 7, 1951. He leaves behind his beloved brother: Neil Justason of Canal, NB; his sisters: Marilyn Rovithis (Dean) of London, ON and Melva MacLean of Inverness, NS, nieces: Darlene Winters, Tanya Ukrainetz and nephews: Aaron Ukrainetz, Andrew Justason, Roy MacLean and Edwin MacLean. Predeceased by his parents Prescott and Edith and sister Greta .  Cremation has taken place.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Howard may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.